Hamlin not cleared for Richmond race

Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Denny Hamlin said on Wednesday that he will
not be competing in this weekend's Sprint Cup Series race at his home track of
Richmond International Raceway.

Hamlin, who grew up just miles away from the 0.75-mile Richmond track in
Chesterfield, Va., continues to recover from a compression fracture in his
lower back. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver sustained the injury during an
accident on the final lap of the March 24 race at Auto Club Speedway in
Fontana, Calif.

Last weekend at Kansas Speedway, Hamlin said his chances of returning to
competition at Richmond were "50-50." He was evaluated by doctors and had a
scan on his back earlier this week. Hamlin posted the news of his not racing
at Richmond on his Twitter account. The 400-lap race there is scheduled for
Saturday night.

"Unfortunately I won't be racing this weekend at Richmond," Hamlin tweeted.
"It kills me to not be in the car for my team and sponsors but after long
discussions with the doctors we have decided to wait on my return back to
racing. Thanks to all of my fans who have sent encouraging messages over the
last month. I'll be back in no time."

Hamlin is now hopeful his return will be in the May 5 race at Talladega
Superspeedway. He has already missed three events -- Martinsville, Texas and
Kansas.

Mark Martin drove his No. 11 Toyota to a 10th-place finish at Martinsville.
Brian Vickers has been behind the wheel of the car for the past two races,
finishing eighth at Texas and 31st at Kansas. Vickers is scheduled to drive it
again at Richmond.

Hamlin held the 10th position in the point standings after Fontana, but has
dropped to the 26th spot since then.

Two days after his Fontana accident, Hamlin was evaluated by Dr. Jerry Petty
of Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates in North Carolina. Petty
determined that Hamlin wouldn't need surgery but would need time to properly
heal, which was estimated around six weeks time.

Hamlin made the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship for the seventh straight
season in 2012, every year he has been a full-time competitor in the series.